Strength Training Devices for Skaters

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to methods and devices for conditioning and the development of strength, particularly for skaters, while maintaining proper skating mechanics. In one aspect, the present invention provides a strength training device for skaters. The device includes a hollow receptacle defining a first chamber in fluid communication with a first opening for placement and removal of fluid within the first chamber. The device further includes a friction surface disposed proximate a bottom member of the hollow receptacle. The device also includes an engagement feature for releasable engagement with a controller suitable for causing movement of the device, wherein during movement the friction surface generates a reactionary counter-force.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/300,234, filed Feb. 1, 2010, the contents of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and devices for conditioningand the development of strength, particularly for skaters, whilemaintaining proper skating mechanics.

BACKGROUND

Individuals desiring to play hockey must first attain a minimal level ofskating in order to participate in the sport. Players seeking to performat higher levels, whether novice, intermediate or experienced, mustcontinually practice and develop their skating skills. Such skatingskills may comprise, starting, stopping, edge work, transitioning, etc.All of these skating skills are dependent upon the development ofmuscles, particularly leg muscles.

As hockey players rely on timing and speed, one particular skating skillnecessary to achieve higher levels of play is acceleration. Accelerationdevelopment is generally based upon two factors, skating skill andstrength. While skills may be achieved through repetitious drills,strength must be achieved by breaking down muscle fibers throughresistance training. Much of the resistant training, other than generalskating, is performed through off-ice exercises, e.g. biking, runningand the use of certain large, complicated and expensive off-ice skatingdevices. However, little has been done to develop on-ice strengthtraining while maintaining the natural dynamic movement of the skater.

One on-ice device used for the development of skating strength compriseslarge resilient ropes, such as large bungee cords, fixed at one end andcoupled to the waist of a skater at the other end. As the skater movesalong the length of the ice, resistance is continually increased untilthe skater can no longer move. While this does provide a level ofresistant training, often the natural stride of the skater, particularlythe stride of a stick handling hockey player, is altered. Also, thedistance of strength training is limited by the length of the resilientrope. Another on-ice training device comprises small parachutesconfigured for capturing air traveling about the skater to provideresistance. However, such parachutes are time consuming in attachment.More so, these parachutes often collapse during low speeds and in turnsand thus provides little to no resistance.

Other devices utilized for hockey skill development, includes weightedobjects that can be pushed along an ice surface, via a hockey stick.Such devices have included weighted pucks, tires and other heavyobjects. However, these devices have several inherent problems. First,as the player reaches a maximum speed, usually within 3 to 5 strides,the weighted object has little resistance to movement and easily glidesalong the ice surface. Second, once these weighted objects obtainmaximum speed, they become difficult to control. Third, due to the largeweight differences between skaters, e.g. around a 30 lb to 250 lb,different weighted or resistant devices must be used.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved methods anddevices for developing skating strength, while maintaining the naturalstride of the skater, particularly a hockey player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods and devices for strength trainingof skaters, particularly hockey players. In one aspect, the presentinvention provides a device configured for engagement with a hockeystick, or other control device, for providing resistance to a skater,via the hockey stick or controller, while providing the ability of theskater to maintain a natural skate stride. The device of the presentinvention may be used on various surfaces such as ice, plastic, concreteor otherwise.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a strength trainingdevice for skaters. The device includes a hollow receptacle defining afirst chamber in fluid communication with a first opening for placementand removal of fluid within the first chamber. The device furtherincludes a friction surface disposed proximate a bottom member of thehollow receptacle. The device also includes an engagement feature forreleasable engagement with a controller suitable for causing movement ofthe device, wherein during movement the friction surface generates areactionary counter-force.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a strengthtraining device for skaters. The device includes a hollow plasticreceptacle having an upper member, a lower member and a plurality ofside members extending between the upper and lower members. The hollowplastic receptacle defines a chamber in fluid communication with anopening for placement and removal of fluid within the chamber. Thedevice further includes a friction surface disposed on the bottom memberof the receptacle. The friction surface includes a plurality of frictionmembers disposed apart and extending along a width of the device. Thefriction surface further includes a friction coating formed of rubberand abrasive material. The device also includes an engagement featureconfigured for engagement with a blade of a hockey stick. The engagementfeature includes an opening extending between a front portion and rearportion of the device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides astrength training device for skaters. The device includes a triangularhollow plastic receptacle having an upper member, a lower member and aplurality of side members extending between the upper and lower members.The hollow plastic receptacle defines a chamber in fluid communicationwith an opening for placement and removal of fluid within the chamber.The device further includes a friction surface integrally formed on thebottom member of the receptacle. The friction surface includes aplurality of friction members disposed apart and extending along a widthof the device. The friction surface further includes a friction coatingformed of rubber and abrasive material. The device further includes anengagement feature configured for engagement with a blade of a hockeystick. The engagement feature comprises an opening extending between afront portion and rear portion of the device. The device furtherincludes an alignment guide for stacking and maintaining the position ofanother strength training device on the upper member. The alignmentguide comprises one or more projections and one or more recesses formedon the upper member. The device also includes a handle integrally formedwith the hollow plastic receptacle and recessed with respect to one ofthe plurality of side members.

The above-described and other features and advantages of the presentinvention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the artfrom the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, advantages and details of the present inventionappear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, the detailed descriptionreferring to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 a illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary trainingdevice of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplarytraining device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 a illustrates a bottom perspective view of the training deviceshown in FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 b illustrates a bottom perspective view of the training deviceshown in FIG. 1 b;

FIG. 3 a illustrates a top view of the training device shown in FIG. 1a;

FIG. 3 b illustrates a top view of the training device shown in FIG. 1b;

FIG. 4 a illustrates a bottom view of the training device shown in FIG.1 a;

FIG. 4 b illustrates a bottom view of the training device shown in FIG.1 b;

FIG. 5 a illustrates a rear view of the training device shown in FIG. 1a;

FIG. 5 b illustrates a rear view of the training device shown in FIG. 1b;

FIG. 6 a illustrates a side view of the training device shown in FIG. 1a;

FIG. 6 b illustrates a side view of the training device shown in FIG. 1b;

FIG. 7 a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the training device shownin FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 7 b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the training device shownin FIG. 3 b;

FIG. 8 a illustrates another cross-sectional view of the training deviceshown in FIG. 3 b;

FIG. 8 b illustrates another cross-sectional view of the training deviceshown in FIG. 3 b;

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a training device of thepresent invention with a removable friction member;

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a training device ofthe present invention with another removable friction member;

FIGS. 11 through 14 illustrate exemplary embodiments of friction membersof the present invention;

FIGS. 15 through 22 a illustrate exemplary embodiments of frictionmembers and friction member patterns of the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a training device of thepresent invention showing an engagement feature;

FIG. 24 illustrates an alternate engagement feature of the trainingdevice shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 illustrates another alternate engagement feature of the trainingdevice shown in FIG. 23;

FIGS. 26 through 28 illustrate exemplary methods of use of an exemplarytraining device of the present invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates an exploded perspective of multiple exemplarytraining devices of the present invention; and

FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary stacking configuration of a trainingdevice of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In general, the present invention relates to methods and devices for thedevelopment of strength and speed of the skater, particularly for hockeyplayers, while maintaining a natural skate stride. The features of thepresent invention are predicated upon a device configured to provideresistance to a skater through a friction surface formed on the device,which is controllable and can be adjusted to allow all ages of skatersto utilize the device. In one configuration, the device is configured toengage a hockey stick of a skater to control the device during skating.While engaged with the device, the skater develops strength and speedthroughout many portions of their body, with little to no change intheir natural skate stride.

Referring to FIGS. 1 a through 10, several embodiments of trainingdevices 10, 10′, 10″ of the present invention are shown. While threedistinct exemplary embodiments are shown and described, it should benoted that the features of any one embodiment may be incorporated in anyother embodiment or may replace a similar feature. Accordingly, thefeatures of these embodiments are not limited to the specific embodimentshown but may be incorporated or combined with other features of otherexemplary embodiments to create yet further embodiments.

Referring again to the three exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 athrough 10, the training devices 10, 10′, 10″ include a top member 14,14′, 14″ a bottom member 16, 16′, 16″ and a plurality of side members18, 18′, 18″ joining the top and bottom members 14, 14′, 14″ and 16,16′, 16″, respectively. The training devices 10, 10′, 10″ furtherinclude one or more guide engagement features 12, 12′, 12″ for causingand/or controlling movement of the training device 10, 10′, 10″ along asurface, such as ice, plastic, concrete or otherwise. In one exemplaryembodiment, the guide engagement feature 12, 12′, 12″ is configured forengagement with a controller, such as a hockey stick 20 or otherwise.The training devices 10, 10′, 10″ form a hollow receptacle 22, 22′, 22″configured for receiving and storing a weighted object, such as fluid24. The training devices 10, 10′, 10″ further include a friction surface26, 26′, 26″ formed with or disposed on the bottom member 16, 16′, 16″of the training device 10. In use, referring to FIGS. 26 through 28, thecombination of fluid weight and the friction surface 26 causes thetraining device 10, 10′, 10″ to resist movement. Accordingly, when askater 25 engages the training device 10, 10′, 10″ with a hockey stick20, or other controller 83, the training device generates reactionarycounter-force causing the player to develop various muscle groups withinthe body including, but not limited to, legs, arms, body core (e.g.back, stomach, etc.) or otherwise.

The hollow receptacle 22, 22′, 22″ forms one or more chambers 28, 28′for receiving one or more weighted objects within the device 10, 10′,10″. In one configuration, the weighted object comprises a fluid 24,such a water or otherwise. Accordingly, as most skating arenas have anaccessible water supply, it is possible to add weight to the trainingdevice 10, 10′, 10″ at the particular arena it is being used at. Itshould be appreciated that other fluids or fluid like materials may beused including sand, rocks, dirt or otherwise. Further, it is possiblethat the device may be used without any fluid, but instead be used withno additional weight or is used with other solid weights, such as pucks,lifting weights or otherwise. In any regard, each chamber 28, 28′ isconfigured to allow a particular volume of fluid or other weightedobject to be placed into the chamber such that each chamber filled addsa specific amount of weight, based upon the density of the fluid orotherwise. In one configuration, referring to FIGS. 1 a through 8 a,water is used to fill the chambers 28, wherein, each chamber, whenfilled, adds 25 lb of weight to the training device. In anotherconfiguration, referring to FIGS. 1 b through 8 b and 9 and 10, water isused to fill a single chamber 28′, wherein, when filled, 50 lb of weightis added to the training device 10′, 10″. It should be appreciated thatthe devices 10, 10′, 10″ can be used without any additional weight. Inthis use, it is contemplated that the sole weight comprises the deviceitself, which in one exemplary embodiment comprises 8 lb. It iscontemplated that other weight configurations are possible.

In one particular exemplary embodiment, referring to the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 a through 8 a, a plurality of chambers 28are provided for incrementally adding weight to the training device 10.The plurality of chambers 28 are separated to prevent fluid flow betweenthe chambers, which may be used to limit lateral or rotational forcesduring use. The separation of chambers 28 also provide incrementalweight increase of the training device 10. In the particularconfiguration shown, the training device 10 includes a first chamber 30and a second chamber 32 separated by a barrier wall 34. The firstchamber 30 is in fluid communication with a first opening 36 and thesecond chamber 32 is in fluid communication with a second opening 38 forreceiving the fluid into the first and second chambers 30, 32,respectively. A first cap 40 and a second cap 42 are configured forclosing the first and second openings 36, 38 for preventing fluid fromleaving the first and second chambers 30, 32, respectively. The firstand second caps 40, 42 are configured for threaded engagement with thedevice but may alternatively engage through snap-fittings or throughother means to positively engage the device and to form a seal about thefirst and second openings 36, 38.

As shown, the first and second chambers 30, 32 are vertically alignedand are configured to position the center of gravity of the fluid,within each of the chambers 30, 32, generally over a center of gravityof the device 10. As such, whether the first chamber 30 is filled withfluid, the second chamber 32 is filled with fluid or both, the device 10will remain generally balanced about a center of gravity of the device10. It should be appreciated that the hollow receptacle 16 may include1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more chambers. Other configurations are possible.

In another exemplary embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1 b through 8 b, atraining device 10′ is provided including a single chamber 28′. Thechamber 28′ is in communication with an opening 36′ for receiving fluidor other weighted objects within the device. A cap, which can comprisethe caps 40, 42 shown in FIGS. 1 a through 8 a, is provided for closingthe opening 36′ for preventing fluid from leaving the chamber 28′. Thecap engages the device 10′ through a threaded engagement, or othersuitable engagement, for forming a seal about the opening 36′. In thisconfiguration, the opening 36′ and cap are recessed to prevent damagethereto during use of the device 10′. The chamber 28′ is generallyvertically aligned with the device 10′ to position a center of gravityof the fluid within the chamber with a center of gravity of the device10′ to maintain balance of the device during use.

The friction surfaces 26, 26′, 26″ are configured for increasing drag orfriction coefficient of the training device 10, 10′, 10″. In oneconfiguration, referring to FIGS. 1 a through 9, the friction surface26, 26′ is particularly configured for increasing drag along an icesurface. In another configuration, referring to FIG. 10, the frictionsurface 26″ is particularly configured for increasing drag along acement, concrete or other similar type surface. The friction surface 26can be integrally formed with the hollow receptacle and/or device 10,10′, 10″, as shown in FIG. 1 a through 8 b, or may comprise a separatecomponent attached thereto, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the friction surface 26 is formed on aremovable friction plate 27, 27′ and is removeably attached to thehollow receptacle 22″, through fasteners or otherwise, such that thefriction surface can be replaced as it becomes worn, damaged or as thedevice is used on different surfaces, such as ice, concrete orotherwise. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the friction surface isattached to the bottom member 16″ of the device 10″. However, the device10″ may be configured to attach the friction plate 27, 27′ to a top,bottom or both members of the device 10″. Accordingly, the top and/orbottom members 14″, 16″ may include attachment features, such asthreaded openings, configured for engagement with correspondingattachment features, such as threaded screws. This allows the device 10″to have multiple friction surfaces available, which may have differentdrag capabilities, or the ability to use the device on either side, forexample, when the device 10″ is particularly suited for left or righthanded hockey sticks, such as shown in FIG. 25.

In a first friction surface configuration, referring to FIGS. 1 athrough 8 b, 9 and 11 through 22, the friction surface is particularlysuited for on-ice use. In these configurations, the friction surface 26includes a plurality of friction members 44 extending from the device10, 10′, 10″. The friction members 44 may be disposed randomly or in aparticular pattern to achieve a particular drag result. The frictionmembers 44 may be arcuate, substantially linear or a combination thereofThe friction members may be further disposed generally parallel orperpendicular with respect to one another. In the exemplary embodimentsshown, the friction members 26 comprise molded members extending fromthe device but may be formed through machining, such as grinding,sanding, knurling combinations thereof or otherwise. It is furthercontemplated that the plurality of friction members 44 may be separatelyformed and attached to the device through mechanical fasteners,adhesives or otherwise. In one exemplary embodiment, the frictionmembers are spaced apart to create voids 45 therebetween. Such voids maycomprise channels, grooves, pockets or other recessed configurations.The voids 45 are configured to collect ice remnants, direct ice remnantstoward or away from the friction surface or a combination thereofHowever, in one particular exemplary embodiment, the voids 45 collectice remnants, between the friction members, which act to increase dragof the training device 10, 10′ along an ice surface.

Referring to FIG. 11, a first cross-sectional configuration of afriction member 44 is shown. In this configuration, the friction member44 is square or rectangular in shape and includes rounded or generallysharp corners 46 joining a friction edge 48 to lateral support edges 50.It is contemplated that the corners 46 can be self sharpening due to themovement of the friction edge 48 along a coarse surface, such as ice,concrete or otherwise. In another example, referring to FIG. 12, thefriction member is triangular in shape and includes a rounded or sharpcorner 46 joining lateral support edges 50. In this configuration, thecontact surfaces area between the training device 10 and a supportsurface is reduced to increase pressure along the corner to increasedrag. In yet another configuration, referring to FIG. 13, the frictionmember 44 includes a concave portion 52 formed by a self-sharpeningcorner 46 connecting two arcuate lateral support edges 50. Duringmovement across an ice surface, ice remnants are accumulated andoptionally directed by the concave portion 52. In another configuration,referring to FIG. 14, the friction member 44 includes a semi-circularportion 54 providing both support and contact with a support surface.Other configurations are possible such as skate blade edge profiles orotherwise. It should be appreciated that the material forming thefriction members may be formed of a material configured for sharpening,such as metal, plastic or otherwise, or configured of a material thatmaintains sharpness such as carbide or other hardened material.

In several exemplary embodiments, referring to FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 9 and 15through 22, the friction surface comprises a plurality of frictionmembers 44 extending across the bottom member 16, 16′ of the device 10,10′. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the pattern is symmetricalabout the training device, such as about a direction axis ‘A’ of thetraining device 10. It is also contemplated that the pattern isconfigured to optimize drag of the training device by collecting and/ordirecting ice remnants. As an example, with particular reference toFIGS. 15 and 16, it is contemplated that a first friction member, or setof friction members, are disposed at an angle ‘α’ with respect to asecond friction member, or set of friction members. Such angles ‘α’include between about 30° to 180°. In one exemplary embodiment, theangle ‘α’ is about 90°. It is further contemplated that the frictionmembers 44 are at an angle ‘β’ with respect to the movement axis ‘A’ ofthe training device 10. The angle ‘β’ between the direction of thetraining device, during use, and the friction members may be betweenabout 0° to 180°. In one configuration, the angle ‘β’ is about 45°.Other configurations are possible.

In greater detail, with respect to particular patterns, in a firstconfiguration, referring to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, a generally uniformpattern of friction members 44 is arranged. The pattern of frictionmembers 44 is symmetric about a direction axis ‘A’ of the trainingdevice. In this configuration, the friction members are arcuate tocollect ice remnants between the friction members 44 thereby increasingdrag of the training device. In another configuration, referring to FIG.15, another generally uniform pattern of friction members is provided.The pattern of friction members is symmetric about a direction axis ‘A’of the training device. In this configuration, the friction members areat an angle ‘β’ with respect to the directional axis, which is oppositethe directional movement of the training device 10. In thisconfiguration, ice remnants collected between the frictions members 44are gradually moved away from the directional axis ‘A’. In a similarconfiguration, referring to FIG. 16, ice remnants collected between thefriction members 44 are gradually moved towards the direction axis ‘A’.In another configuration, referring to FIG. 17, another symmetricpattern of friction members is provided. In this configuration, iceremnants are collected at a front portion of the training device andgradually directed away from the direction axis ‘A’. In still anotherconfiguration, referring to FIGS. 18 and 18 a, another symmetric patternof friction members 44 is provided. In this configuration, a crisscrosspattern is formed generating equal resistance in any direction of thetraining device 10, which is useful while the skater is turning. Inanother configuration, referring to FIGS. 19 and 19 b, a pattern ofsegmented friction members 44 is provided. The segmented frictionmembers 44 are arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein gaps 56 formedbetween the friction members 44. In one exemplary embodiment, frictionmembers 44 are disposed on one or both sides of the gap, albeit indifferent rows, to provide a gradual cycling of ice remnants through thetraining device. In another configuration, referring to FIGS. 20 and 20a, a random pattern of friction members 44 are formed of arcuatesegments 58 and linear segments 60. In this configuration, the randompattern provides generally equal resistance in any movement direction ofthe training device. In two additional embodiments, referring to FIGS.21, 21 a and 22, 22 a, patterns of friction members 44 are formed ofgeometric segments 62. In these embodiments, the patterns providegenerally equal resistance in any movement direction of the trainingdevice 10. It should be appreciated that the friction members shownthrough the drawings may include any of the cross-section configurationsshown or described with respect to FIGS. 11 through 14 or otherwise.

In one exemplary embodiment, the friction surface 28 includes a coatingfor increasing the friction coefficient of the device 10, 10′, 10″,improving durability of the friction surface, or both. In one particularexemplary embodiment, the coating is configured for scraping or grindingalong a surface of the ice to provide increased drag. Advantageously,the scraping and grinding along an ice surface results in the formationof ice remnants which enter the voids between the friction members 44causing further drag. The coating may be applied to any portion of thedevice 10, 10, 10″ and in particular the top member 14, 14′ and bottommember 16, 16′. Further, it may be applied to a separate component, suchas shown in FIG. 9, and subsequently attached to the device. In oneparticular exemplary embodiment, the coating is applied over thefriction members 44.

The coating may comprise any suitable coating for increasing frictionalong an ice surface, particularly an ice surface that has been recentlyresurfaced, such as done through a Zamboni® or other similar device. Inone exemplary embodiment, the coating includes an additive forincreasing friction. One non-limiting example of a suitable coatingcomprises a mixture of rubber and friction additive. In one particularexemplary embodiment, the friction coating is formed by a mixture ofPlasti Dip® Rubber, sold by Plasti Dip International, of Blaine,Minnesota, which can be found at http://www.plastidip.com/industrial.phpand SharkGrip® friction additive, sold by H&C® and Sherwin-Williams®, ofCleveland, Ohio, which can be found athttp://www.sherwin-williams.com/pro/products/hc_sharkgrip/, the both ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference. Other friction coatings arepossible.

In one exemplary embodiment, the friction coating is applied to thebottom member 16, 16′ 16″ of the device 10, 10′, 10″. Application of thefriction coating may be performed in any suitable manner, such asdipping, brushing, spraying or otherwise. In one particular exemplaryembodiment, the friction coating is sprayed onto the device 10, 10′,10″. The device having the friction coating is placed in an oven andheated to a temperature of approximately 150° to 180° for severalminutes to dry the fiction coating. It should be appreciated thatmultiple coats of friction material may be applied to the device 10,10′, 10″. To this end, it is contemplated that 2 or more friction coatsmay be applied to the device to achieve a desired thickness. Forexample, it is contemplated that the thickness of the friction coat isapproximately 3 mils. Other thicknesses are possible.

In a second figuration, the friction surface is configured for off-iceuse, such as on concrete, cement, asphalt or other similar type surface.The device 10, 10′, 10″ can include one or more of the designs shown inFIGS. 1 a through 9 including the friction surface 26, friction members44, friction member patterns, coatings or otherwise as described herein.In one exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 10, the device includes afriction surface 26″ comprising a plurality of wires extending from thebottom member 16″ of the device 10″. The wires extend over a substantialmajority of the friction surface 26″ and may be arranged in any of thefriction member patterns described herein. In one particular exemplaryembodiment, still referring to FIG. 10, the wires are disposed on aremovable friction plate 27′ that is removable from the bottom member16″. The friction plate 27′ can be attached to the device 10 using anyof the components and means described with reference to the removablefriction plate 27 described with FIG. 9. Advantageously, this allows thedevice 10″ to be use both on-ice and off-ice by changing the removablefriction plate 27, 27′.

As previously indicated, the training device 10 further includes one ormore engagement features 12 for engagement with a controller, such ashockey stick 20 or otherwise. In one exemplary embodiment, referring toFIGS. 5 a, 5 b, 7 a, 7 b, 8 a and 8 b, the engagement feature 12includes an opening 64 configured for receiving a blade 66 of a hockeystick 20. The opening 64 include a width ‘W’ and a height ‘H’ andextends from a rear portion 70 to a front portion 68 of the trainingdevice. The depth ‘D’ of the opening 64 extends to a back wall 72, whichis particularly shaped to engage a toe of the hockey blade.

It should be appreciated that the opening 64 is configured for receivingthe blade 66 of a hockey stick, regardless to whether the bottom member16 is disposed proximate a support ice surface or the training device 10is inverted and the top member 14 is disposed proximate the support icesurface. For example, referring to FIGS. 5 a, 7 a, 8 a and 23, anopening 64 is formed that is suitable in size and shape for receiving aright-handed hockey stick or a left-handed hockey stick. The opening isdefined by a plurality of side walls 74 extending between the rearportion 70 of the training device and back wall 72. In one embodiment,the training device 10 further includes a locking feature 76 formaintaining engagement between the controller, e.g. hockey stick 20 orotherwise, and the training device. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 8 a, a locking feature is shown in phantom which includes a lockingtab 78 extending from an upper side wall 74. The locking tab 78 includesa shape generally corresponding to an average lie of a hockey stick suchthat once the hockey stick is engaged with the engagement feature 12 andbrought to a playing or skating position, the locking tab 78 engages atoe 80 of the hockey blade 66 to prevent it from disengagement with theengagement feature 12.

In several other configurations, referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, theopening is shaped to provide improved and/or locking engagement with theblade 66 of the hockey stick 20. In the configuration shown in FIG. 24,the side walls 74 are non-parallel forming an opening 64 having anarrowing width ‘W’ towards the front portion 68 of the device 10 forcausing engagement of two sides of the hockey blade 66 with side walls74. It should be appreciated that this configuration provides two sideengagements of the hockey blade with both left-handed and right-handedhockey sticks. In the configuration shown in FIG. 25, the side walls 74are arcuate to have a shape generally corresponding to a right or lefthanded hockey stick.

Advantageously, with a training device having multiple friction surfaces26, such as friction surfaces formed on or disposed proximate the topand bottom members of the training device, the training device can beinverted so as to engage a hockey stick having an opposite blade curve.It should be appreciated that the locking device 76 shown in FIG. 8 amay also be incorporated into the configurations of FIGS. 24 and 25 toprovide further engagement between the hockey stick 20 and the device10.

It is further contemplated that the device may include a controller, inlieu of a hockey stick 20, that is permanently or releasably attached tothe training device 10 for controlling movement. In this configuration,the controller is rigidly or pivotally attached to the hollow receptacle22 at a first end and includes a handle resembling a griping portion ofa hockey stick at a second end. Other similar configurations arepossible.

In yet another configuration, referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the trainingdevice 10 is configured for pulling along an ice surface. In thisconfiguration, the training device 10 includes an additional oralternate engagement feature 81 for engagement of the training device 10with a skater 25. In one exemplary embodiment, the engagement feature 81includes loops 84 forming eyelets for receiving rope, straps, the likeor otherwise, that is attached to the training device 10 on a first endand to the skater 25 at a second end.

It is further contemplated that multiple training devices 10 may bestacked to provide additional weight and drag. For example, referring toFIGS. 29 and 30, the top member 14 includes an alignment guide 91including one or more projections 92 and one or more recesses 94 formedon the top member 14 of the training device for engagement with one ormore other projections 92 and recesses 94 formed on a top member 14 ofanother training device 10. In one configuration, the projections andrecess 92, 94 are approximately 1 inch in height and 1 inch in diameter.This configuration maintains alignment and connection of multipletraining devices 10 during use thereof.

In one exemplary embodiment, the training device 10 includes additionalfeatures for carrying the device between ice rinks or otherwise.Advantageously, the fluid weight placed within the hollow receptacle 22can be removed prior to this movement. In one exemplary embodiment,referring to FIGS. 1 a and 2 a, the training device 10 includes acarrying handle 82 configured for hand carrying the device. In anotherembodiment, the loops 84 forming eyelets 85 of the training device 10may be used for receiving rope 88, straps, or the like for carrying thetraining device over the shoulder. In another exemplary embodiment,referring to FIGS. 1 b and 2 b, the training device 10′ includes acarrying handle 82′ that is recessed. Advantageously, this protects thehandle 82′ from damage during use of the device 10′. Otherconfigurations are possible.

The training device 10 is formed of material suitable in strength foruse as a hockey training device, in particular for cold use. It iscontemplated that the device is suitable in strength to endure staticforces applied by a controller, such as a hockey stick or otherwise,dynamic forces such as blunt forces encountered during impacts with icerink boards, another device, skate, goal post or otherwise, and frictionforce encountered by sliding along a support surface, such as an icesurface 90. It is also contemplated the material forming the device isrelatively light so that the device is easily carried about.Accordingly, it is contemplated that the device may be formed of metal,plastic, rubber, ceramic, combinations thereof or otherwise. Further, itis contemplated that the training device 10 may be formed of multiplematerial having different strength, friction coefficients or otherwise.

In one exemplary embodiment, the material forming the training devicecomprises plastic. The plastic comprises a high-strength plastic such aslinear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), though other plastics areavailable. The plastic materials may include a filler, such as fibers orotherwise, for improving the strength and performance of the device.

The training device 10, 10′, 10″ of the present invention can be used indifferent ways for developing strength of a skater. In a first andsecond method of use, referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, respectively, thetraining device 10, 10′, 10″ is pulled along a surface of the ice, whileattached to a skater 25 via a belt 89, rope 88, controller 83, orotherwise. In these configurations, the device is dragged while theskater is moving forward, e.g. FIG. 26, or backwards, e.g. FIG. 27. Asthe skater traverses across the ice surface 90, the friction surface 26engages the ice surface 90 causing drag and resistance to the skater 25,via the rope 88 and/or controller 83. As the weight of the trainingdevice 10 increases, through placement of fluid or otherwise within oron the chamber(s), the drag caused by friction surface 26 increases.Further, due to the configuration of the pattern of friction members 44on the friction surface 26, the training device maintains generalalignment with the skater during movement.

In a third method of use, referring to FIG. 28, the training device 10is engaged with a hockey blade 66 of a hockey stick 20. As a skater 25traverse across the ice surface 90, the friction members engages the icesurface 90 causing drag and resistance to the skater, via the hockeystick 20. As the weight of the training device 10 is increased, throughplacement of fluid or otherwise within or on the chamber(s), the dragcaused by friction surface 26 increases. Further, due to theconfiguration of the pattern of friction members 44 on the frictionsurface 26, the training device maintains general alignment with theskater during movement.

In a fourth method of use, referring to FIGS. 26 and 28, it iscontemplated that a skater 25 utilizes two training device 10, one beingdragged as shown in FIG. 26 and one being pushed as shown in FIG. 28,for providing further skating resistance. It should be appreciated thatyet additional weight may be added by stacking training devices as shownin FIGS. 29 and 30. Further it should be appreciated that the weight ofeach training device 10 may vary by filling the chamber(s) of thetraining devices. While substantial weight may be used during training,due the friction surface of the training devices 10, upon discontinueduse the training devices quickly slows and stops, unlike other on-icetraining devices.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A strength training device for skaters, comprising: a hollowreceptacle defining a first chamber in fluid communication with a firstopening for placement and removal of fluid within the first chamber; afriction surface disposed proximate a bottom member of the hollowreceptacle; and an engagement feature for releasable engagement with acontroller suitable for causing movement of the device, wherein duringmovement the friction surface generates a reactionary counter-force. 2.The strength training device of claim 1, wherein the friction surfaceincludes a plurality of friction members extending from the bottommember.
 3. The strength training device of claim 2, wherein theplurality of friction members extend along a width of the device, thefriction members being generally perpendicular with respect to adirectional axis of the device.
 4. The strength training device of claim3, wherein the plurality of friction members are spaced apart to definegrooves therebetween.
 5. The strength training device of claim 2,wherein the plurality of friction members form a pattern.
 6. Thestrength training device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of frictionmembers are integrally formed with the hollow receptacle.
 7. Thestrength training device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of frictionmembers are formed on a friction plate that is releasably attached tothe hollow receptacle.
 8. The strength training device of claim 2,wherein the plurality of friction members comprise wires.
 9. Thestrength training device of claim 1, wherein the friction surfaceincludes an abrasive coating.
 10. The strength training device of claim9, wherein the abrasive coating is formed of rubber and an abrasivematerial.
 11. The strength training device of claim 2, wherein thefriction surface includes an abrasive coating disposed over theplurality of friction members.
 12. The strength training device of claim1, wherein the hollow receptacle defines a second chamber in fluidcommunication with a second opening for placement and removal of fluidwithin the second chamber, wherein the first and second chambers areseparated by a barrier for preventing fluid flow therebetween.
 13. Thestrength training device of claim 1, wherein the engagement feature issuitable in size and shape for receiving a blade of a hockey stick. 14.The strength training device of claim 1, wherein the engagement featureincludes eyelets for engagement with a rope.
 15. The strength trainingdevice of claim 1, wherein the hollow receptacle includes a surfacehaving an alignment guide for stacking and maintaining the position ofanother strength training device.
 16. The strength training device ofclaim 1, wherein the hollow receptacle further includes an upper memberand plurality of side members extending between the upper and lowermembers, the hollow receptacle being triangular in shape.
 17. A strengthtraining device for skaters, comprising: a hollow plastic receptacleincluding an upper member, a lower member and a plurality of sidemembers extending between the upper and lower members, the hollowplastic receptacle defines a chamber in fluid communication with anopening for placement and removal of fluid within the first chamber; afriction surface disposed on the bottom member of the receptacle, thefriction surface includes a plurality of friction members disposed apartand extending along a width of the device, the friction surface furtherincludes a friction coating formed of rubber and abrasive material; andan engagement feature configured for engagement with a blade of a hockeystick, the engagement feature comprising an opening extending between afront portion and rear portion of the device.
 18. The strength trainingdevice of claim 17, wherein the plurality of friction members are formedon a friction plate that is releasably attached to the hollowreceptacle.
 19. The strength training device of claim 17, wherein theplurality of friction members are integrally formed with the bottommember.
 20. A strength training device for skaters, comprising: atriangular hollow plastic receptacle including an upper member, a lowermember and a plurality of side members extending between the upper andlower members, the hollow plastic receptacle defines a chamber in fluidcommunication with an opening for placement and removal of fluid withinthe chamber; a friction surface integrally formed on the bottom memberof the receptacle, the friction surface includes a plurality of frictionmembers disposed apart and extending along a width of the device, thefriction surface further includes a friction coating formed of rubberand abrasive material; an engagement feature configured for engagementwith a blade of a hockey stick, the engagement feature comprising anopening extending between a front portion and rear portion of thedevice; an alignment guide for stacking and maintaining the position ofanother strength training device on the upper member, the alignmentguide comprising one or more projections and one or more recesses formedon the upper member; and a handle integrally formed with the hollowplastic receptacle and recessed with respect to one of the plurality ofside members.